Give a gift of growth and learning

Our participants have big dreams: dreams of strength, balance, courage, knowledge, friendship, understanding and being understood! Explore their stories and join in their dream by donating today!

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Our Mission

Dreams on Horseback was founded to help people with challenges improve their lives through horse-assisted learning experiences and education.

Give

Riley’s anxiety has lifted. Alicia takes her medicine willingly in exchange for riding lessons. Ben can walk farther and stand longer. Cameron’s attitude at school has improved. Ruth’s caregivers have seen a decrease in her agitation. Important dreams fulfilled by your gift of hope to Dreams on Horseback.

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Volunteer

As part of our team, you will get to live the dream right alongside our students, inspiring staff, and gentle horses. Have experience with horses? Wonderful! No experience? No problem! We will provide training and opportunity as you grow into an important part of our Dreams family of volunteers.

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Participate

Riding lessons are offered to people of all ages and abilities. Depending on your personal goals, riding lesson objectives can range from therapeutic based activities on horseback to preparation for off-site horse show participation. Get started working toward your personal riding goals today!

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Living the Dream in 2017

Meet some of the people we serve and the programs they love when you check out our annual newsletter.

In The News

That Ohio Vibe web magazine has recently featured both rider Ava Clous and Executive Director and Founder Jennifer Hansen in recent films created by Jonathan Polsdorfer.  Enjoy these beautiful films at the following links and learn more about our mission and passion at Dreams on Horseback: Defying the Spectrum and Transforming Lives One Saddle at a Time

Special Event

2018 Walk, Trot, & Decanter Gala

Therapeutic Riding Volunteer Melanie Shump thanks everyone who supported our 2018 Dreams on Horseback Walk, Trot, and Decanter Gala this year!  With your help Dreams on Horseback raised record funds to support our ever-growing slate of horse partnered learning experiences.  Because of you we will help children as young as three and adults as old as 83.  We will help people with cognitive challenges and those searching for peace.  Because of you Central Ohio residents can explore how our horses and trained instructors can bring hope and healing  to their lives.  We thank you!

Events and News

June 9, 2018

Red Capital Military Family Appreciation Day

Red Capital along with Dreams on Horseback recognizes the sacrifice military families make alongside their service member.  

In gratitude for your family’s service, Red Capital invites you to enjoy a complimentary “down on the farm” family day on Saturday afternoon, June 9.

Come meet the horses, enjoy good food, fun activities, and learn more about opportunities for vets and active military to spend more time at Dreams on Horseback, completely free of charge for vets, military and their families thanks to Red Capital Group and ORIX Foundation.

July 12-15, 2018

ESMHL Workshop and Practical Horsemanship Skill Exam

Dreams on Horseback is hosting an ESMHL Workshop and Practical Horsemanship Skill Exam on July 12-15. Please see the following attachments for information and registration. Registration deadline is June 10.

See our flyer for details and download registration forms

May 6, 2018

Annual Dreams on Horseback Fun Show

The Annual Dreams on Horseback Fun Show is coming up on May 6.  

Riders from Field of Dreams and Dreams on Horseback will have the opportunity to show off their riding skills that they have been working to improve throughout the last year.  

All students will receive a patch and ribbon for their participation.  More details coming soon!

February 26, 2018

George Bell Therapeutic Lift Dedication

The dedication of the George Bell Therapeutic Lift took place on February 26, 2018. That day Dreams on Horseback celebrated a turning point in its ability to provide services to those for whom mounting is difficult or impossible.  

The Bell Family, pictured left to right, Darlene Bell, Dawn Daman, Robin Bell Layfield, Mark Dickey, and Carey Bell Wallace generously donated the lift in memory of their beloved husband and loving father George Bell, who throughout his career reached out to help others. A plaque inscribed with the words, "May all who use and witness the use of The George Bell Therapeutic Lift be inspired to help others rise to live their best lives.” immortalizes George’s generous spirit.  

This lift will not only assist our therapeutic riders, but prepares the way for us to serve Military Connections participants with service-related injuries.

Our Programs

2018 TRL Summer Program Registration is now available

Program Descriptions

While Dreams on Horseback frequently custom designs programs for diverse groups, the following reflect our permanent programming opportunities:

Therapeutic Riding Lessons

Children and adults with special needs tackle their individual challenges from atop one of our kind and gentle therapy horses. Trained and certified instructors use engaging activities and games to encourage their students to solve problems, face fears, and complete physical tasks. Students are assisted by supportive side-walkers and a horse handler as they grow in competence.

Equine Assisted Learning

Horses are unique in their ability to read our non-verbal cues and give clear non-verbal feedback to us. These natural responses by our equine partners lay the groundwork for gifted instructors to lead participants on a journey of introspection. Participants may be asked to observe their equine partner’s response to them. What does this tell the participant about himself? It is up to the participant to decide.

Alzheimer’s Sensory Experiences

Seniors enjoy an outing to the farm where they are introduced to our horses through a variety of sensory experiences such as grooming, touching, education and observation. These sessions are led by our sensitive staff who have years of experience serving our seniors. An OSU study conducted in conjunction with Dreams on Horseback found that this program lessened agitation in participants.

Vocational Training

Dreams on Horseback offers young adults with special needs the opportunity to learn valuable work and social skills needed for the workplace. Students learn and provide the authentic service of caring for our barn and horses. Staff helps students realize and implement skills which will guarantee their success in their first work experience beyond Dreams on Horseback.

Military Connections at Dreams on Horseback

Dreams on Horseback is honored to host our military and veterans. These men and women learn the joys of horsemanship while participating in equine-assisted learning workshops that are designed with the unique experiences of military personnel and veterans in mind. Military and veterans are given the training necessary to serve as side-walkers or handlers for fellow service men or women riders or for our therapeutic lesson students.

Field Trips

Would your group enjoy a trip to the farm? Let us design a field trip customized to your time frame and preferred format (educational or experiential). Experience life on the farm, learn some fun facts about horses and their care, go for a handler led ride, and enjoy our beautiful grounds where you can lunch creek side in our beautiful wooded picnic grounds.

Traditional Riding Lessons

Dreams on Horseback offers traditional riding lessons for individuals wishing to learn to ride in either the English or Western tradition. These lessons are open to all individuals weighing less than 200 lbs. Whether your goals are to learn basic riding and horsemanship skills, or to prepare for off-grounds horse showing, Dreams on Horseback can help you reach your goals. Most traditional lessons are held at Stepping Stone Stables.

Corporate Team Building

Groups, such as corporate work teams, can also benefit from Equine Assisted Learning Methods. Participants are challenged to examine their role in their group by working together to meet a challenge put forth by the instructor. You'll never know where equine assisted learning might take you.

Schedule a Visit Today

Our programs, trips, and experiences are customize-able and flexible to fit a diverse array of needs. Contact us soon to find out more.

Our Partners and Donors

Helping others reach their dreams through horse-assisted programming can only happen through the pairing of our passion and your generous support. We thank you!